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I love to bargain shop! Thrift shopping helps me stay in my budget!

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What I like to do for holiday shopping is create a budget for myself of how much I'm willing to spend from a minimum to a maximum amount.  I try to find some kind of deal like buy 3 get another 15% therefore I can buy in bulks and still save a few bucks.  This works great when your shopping for the kids who are always fighting over gifts (everyone gets the same thing).  I also go shopping at consignment, thrift stores and even sample sales...sometime items are almost 90% off!!!  Lastly I do alot of shopping online (sign up to my fave site mailing list) this way I one of the first to know about promotions and exclusive sales.  You can also find tons and tons of coupons on savings website like retailmenot.com.  Hope this helps! 

Because I have so many to shop for during the season, I always give each person a $ and I work from there.  For instance, my nieces that are 12-18, I give the the $20-$25 price point.  So when I'm shopping online I can filter by size and cost and that saves me tons of time and sanity.  These gifts are always a hit when they open them on Christmas. For older nephews, they get gift cards so they can choose that perfect gadget or game. For my hubby, we do the supermarket sweep: we take each other to our chosen store or stores, we know the cap and from there we are able to buy whatever we choose within the max $. Parents, they can be tuff but they never really want anything so I make easy and do upgrades for them like a new cell phone for my mom or the newest software or whatnot for my dad. They're always happy and that feels awesome. Charlene J.

Because I have so many to shop for during the season, I always give each person a $ and I work from there.  For instance, my nieces that are 12-18, I give the the $20-$25 price point.  There are plenty of choices that are stylish and would be a hit when they open them on Christmas.  For older nephews, they get gift cards so they can choose that perfect gadget or game.  For my hubby, we do the supermarket sweep: we take each other to our chosen store or stores, we know the cap and from there we are able to buy whatever we choose within the max $.  Parents, they can be tuff but they never really want anything so I make easy and do upgrades for them like a new cell phone for my mom or the newest software or whatnot for my dad.  They're always happy and that feels awesome. Charlene J.

oops, forgot my email: thepryfamily@gmail.com

make a list and stick to it, also i enter giveaways all year to get free gifts anna pry

I stay in my budget by constantly reminding myself not to be seduced by all the advertising this time of year. When I get real with myself and ask myself if I'd buy that item if it were February, odds are the answer is no. And if I wouldn't buy it in February, I probably don't need it in December.  And there are also things that are everyday items with the packaging changed to be holiday-like. Those things will surely be the same all year long. A lot of these type of items are food items. 

I love to shop, but I buy very few gifts for Christmas.   In my family, each family unit buys for their own.  Everybody is in a different economic position and this eliminates the need to try to "keep up with the Jones'.  In general if I see an item that I know someone would love (that could be a great new nail polish), I buy it.  When I give it to them it's not a special occasion.  It's just because I love them and I thought they would love it.  A gift with no expectation attached.

I stay within my holiday budget by categorizing the amount I'm spending according to the age.  For example since I mostly shop for my nieces and nephews the younger children get gift cards for smaller amounts while the older children (teenagers) get larger amounts.  This seems to work perfectly as the teenagers or older children are able to shop off the gift card and buy exactly what they want and I don't have to guess their style. Before I would go to different stores and places to pick up different items for everyone, but with rising shipping costs it became to expensive to ship to four different locations due to my family is out of state.  This has worked perfectly for holidays and back to school time this year. Yacoomba (I don't have FB or Twitter-I know I'm stone aged) lol 

I make a gift list with different categories, i.e. immediate family, close friends, co-workers, etc. I assign a budget for each category and I DO NOT allow myself to go over that budget. This way helps me know who is getting a gift and how much I am able to spend on each person and group. It helps me prioritize as well. That way I don't end up spending a ridiculous amount on one gift and someone is not left gift-less. Facebook: Tamika Carter twitter: @doctorcakes:twitter 

For several years now I have been buying up vintage baubles and goodies from thrift stores when I see them and know immediately who they would be perfect for.  A vintage apron for my sister who loves to bake, along with a vintage cookbook, things like that.  Recipients are grateful, for the gift and the sentiment of reusing.  Try it!

What I like to do is start at the begining of the year and put aside a set dollar amount every week for the next 52 weeks of the year. So, that will be my budget for gifts for family and friends on my list. I always LOVE coupons! Cutting them out, finding them online along with promotion and discount codes, getting register coupons and rewards, does not matter because it always works out great. Free shipping for me is a dream and that really helps bring down the cost . Thru out the year (normally picks up in the Fall), I like to look around at the clearance sections of stores (normally they are located at the end stands) like Target, Walmart and Kmart for toys and other things that are marked down and that way I don't have that many things to buy when the holidays roll around. Also, my bank has a rewards program and based on that and how I use my card and what vendors I ship with I get rewards back which I can redeem for a vendor's gift card or cash. Also, the recycling program in my city also has a rewards program. The more I recycle, the more points I get, which allows me to redeem them at certain vendors too. So, I can make purchases with those as well (I always wait until the holiday time to redeem these, more money I have to spend)

Ways I stay within my budget: 1) Based on what I need to pay for bills, groceries, gas, etc I set aside what I am allotting myself for gift spending. 2) Make a list of who I am buying gifts for and gift ideas for each person. 3) Look out for deals on these items by frequently checking the ads for my go-to retailers with large selections in my budget (Walmart, Target, Kohls, etc). In addition to the sales, I always look out for coupons to these and other places as well that may carry the items I am looking for. 4) If a particular gift is available at various stores, I compare prices (including coupon deals) to see where I can get the best deal. 5)When shopping for gifts I only use my moneycard on which I have only placed the allotted amount I set aside for gifts. This allows me to fight the temptation of using a credit or debit card, putting me over my budget. It also forces me to stay within my budget. :-) Twitter: trulyblessed521, facebook: Denielle Murray

I'm EXACTLY like you! I get super excited when I'm Christmas shopping especially when buying for my young brother and sisters. But what I do it set a budget for each member of my family AND I don't allow myself to buy ANYTHING for me. That's the hard part! :) Happy Holidays!  Twitter: @grasiemercedes:twitter  FB: Grasie Mercedes http://stylemegrasie.com/

I make a list of people I actually need to buy gifts for. I try to find nice bulk items for aunts who have similar likings. I also scour stores sales racks for nice items (it takes a bit longer, but it's usually worth it) for something specific to someone's personality, gifts, or likes. It takes a while, but it's usually worth it. And when all else fails, I buy gifts the day after Christmas for people I wouldn't see until afterwards anyway! :) @TeachingClass:disqus - Twitter Letitia Smith - Facebook

I stay within my holiday budget buy subscribing to all the online stores I love to shop at and take advantage of the best offers via email and or mail. I scored a leather jacket from Speigel for $23  this weekend Org. $99  I also love sites like Plum District, where I was able to get a deal for $15 for a popular shoe club, where as I would have spent $50 for a pair of shoes..great gift for my daughter who loves shoes. I also scored movie tickets for two for $13 and that includes popcorn from spreebird, makes a great gift since movies are so expensive at late. I love to also shop at places like bloomingdales when they have their brown bag sale and private sales going on, discount plus a dollar amount off $100 or more..the best deals are in store. I also look for stores that offer a buy one get one half off and then a coupon on top of the savings...score! I scored a $99 leather jacket from Apartstyle.com Org. $265.. I love deals like that..now that one is for me ;-) I'm a true bargain shopper with semi expensive taste so I also scout the high end stores throughout the year because they have some of the best sales thorughout the year and during the holiday season. Happy Holidays!  My facebook name is Lori Irvin and my Twiter name is @OnlyOneLori 

Like you, I easily get carried away when gift giving. While I sometimes still go overboard, I have become very strict about sticking to my budget.  However, the first thing that I do is make a list of WHO I am shopping for.  In the past, I would be out shopping and find the perfect items for people that weren't on my list which would totally blow my budget.  The second thing that I do is set a total budget for shopping.  Then, I create a budget for each person.  I keep a copy of my list and budget in my purse to refer to while shopping.  While shopping, I make it a sport to find something under budget for each person on my list while always keeping my eyes peeled for coupons and discount codes.  If I spend under the budget for a given person, I can (a) buy that person something else, (b) allocate the money to another person on the list, (c) treat myself to something, or (d) put the money back in savings.  The rule is that I can spend the total budget in its entirety, whether it be for persons on my gift list or on myself.  Definitely a great insensitive to keep my spending in check!

I use coupon code and shop on line, save gas money. I also compare the price before i place order.

I stay within budget by using discount coupon codes from retailmenot and ebates cash back.  I find better deals online because I have time to search for the better price and I don't impulse buy

I set a price budget when its time for holiday shopping. I feel if you are not realistic with how much you want to spend, you will end up buying things, just to say that you got this person out the way. Every year my budget changes and I decide how I am going to purchase my gifts, wether it be cash, credit card, usually (1) or gift cards. What really does it, whether I decide it going to be credit card, I leave my cash at home, just enough to grab something to eat and carfare and vice versa. This method works for me and keeps me in my budget every year.

I do my holiday shopping all year round! I sign up for emails, newletters, coupons and deals at tons of different stores (everything from Macy's to payless, to bluefly.com!) and I stay in the know about sales and bargain buys. I also use a few magazines and countless websites to stay current. I make a list of all the people I have to buy gifts for and I buy one or two gifts at a time randomly all year. By the time the holidays roll around, I'm practically done shopping! No debt, no fuss :-) @nissi29, Rachel C.Scott

Think long term, are these pair of shoes really going to make you as happy as you think they will, or would having money in your pocket make you happy, change your ideals about happiness! Thanks for this splendid giveaway I follow you on twitter   anashct email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

To stay within my budget I make a list of the people I'm shopping for and what I want to get them. If I don't have an idea I give myself a limit for what I can spend on their gift. Basically...just stay focused! The list I've made is all I need. I also like to shop throughout the year so it makes it easier when the holidays roll around. That way it actually seems like I'm spending less ;) xo,Cortnie http://stylelustpages.com @stylelustpages:twitter 

The easiest way to stay on a budget is by using gift cards. I purchase a gift card in the amount I have set aside to spend for Christmas (with a little extra for myself). Make a list of people to shop for with general ideas and head to the mall or downtown. Everything left on the card is mine. Great motivator for staying in or below the budget.

I stay within my budget by shopping at stores with price matching policies!

As a college student, it is very important for me to stay within my budget. The #1 way i stay within my budget is by making a list. Not just a list containing who gets what but i also research (online and in-store) before-hand to that i have an idea of the prices. Also planning ahead of time allows you to find sales and discounts that can help cut costs. The second thing i do is have a shopping buddy. Some one that can keep me on track in case i begin to deviate from the plan. Most of the time, that person is my mum. She keeps me focused on what i need to do and . . . it gets done! Of course i don't get her gift when she's there though :) These 2 things always help me stay within my budget and sometimes under. Hope these tips helps someone :) FB: Olori Lola Twitter: Olori_Lola

I stay within budget by using the deals out there (cash back sites like ebates, coupon sites like retailmenot.com, etc).  The other way is by making lists and sticking to it

Some ways I stay on budget are through using coupons and reward points from my credit card or reward cards from stores I frequent. I have signed up with different companies online to receive coupons or special deals via email. I rarely ever buy anything full price. Another great way to stay on budget is to used a pre-paid credit card. Give yourself a budget and then put that amount on your card so that you don't go over.  Twitter: TheRealMrsLC Facebook: LaChristinWalke/ I'm not sure if you can find my name by searching due to privacy. I am a member on your facebook fan page Good luck to everyone!

I stay on budget during Christmas by shopping the clearance racks and sale items.  Also, I sign up for reward programs and use coupons that are sent to me via email. I very seldom purchase anything at full retail price. Also, I use my credit card to receive points for what ever I buy. Then I later redeem points for cash. Facebook: Lori Rouse DePante Twitter: lrouse01

I like to write out my budget. It's helpful for me to know how much I can spend on each person. I can then take cash with me while I shop. As long as I stick to the list and make sure that I am not shopping for myself on accident, the budget always works. Especially if you shop on black Friday or Cyber Monday. Everything on your list should actually be cheaper than you budgeted for. When you get the urge to pick up something for yourself, just remember that the real sales happen after Christmas. Twitter: @missgchic:disqus  FB: g danielle

Using cash and not waiting until the last minute to shop. With cash, once the money is gone, it's done so you become more conscious of what you are buying and how much you are spending. Last minute shopping leaves room for error and spending more, if you shop early you have time to look for bargains. (If you're online shopping use a pre-paid debit card or paypal account with a dollar limit)

Well being I am a Single mother on a tight budget with a whole lot of creative energy! I make alot of my gifts not only does it save me tons of money but it makes the gift more personal. 1. I make a list of everyone that I am giving a gift for 2. think thru what each person wants or needs and set a plan 3. I get supplies and organize my time to make the items 4. make the Item (while the lil man is sleeping, Otherwise it will end up being a hot mess) 5. then wait for the day and example of a current project would be for my dear friend who just got a new apt, and is looking to decorate her house but her money is tight! so I noticed that her place is dim and I saw this great idea to make her paper laterns! so I went to the market and got all my supplies and I made them they are beautiful and I have enough supplies left over to make something else! so yeah! I also made my xmas cards this year by doing a mini photo shoot and making my own cards, I toom my suns hands and dipd them in paint so he got to leave his own little signature. It was great. Good luck and thanks @myelyfe on twitter and Lyfe Silva on facebook

My top tips for how to stay in your holday budget are 1. Know who you're shopping for and plan. 2. If your shopping in the mall research price and bring cash. leave the cards at home. That's how i always end up out of budget. Knowing I have more money on me then I need. 3. Online shopping to me always has more deals. If you plan right you can get things cheaper than actually going in the store. Twitter: Robbialyson2 Facebook: Robbi Taylor

Wow! I'm like you. I can get a little excited when shopping, too. Hmmm, my tips are are as follows:  1. Research sales papers and online ads to compare prices for the gifts you have in mind 2. Make a list based on your research AND stick to it 3. Only permit yourself to go "off script" in the clearance sections. You never know what treasures you may find. 4. Take a "free" or "clear" day to do your shopping so that you don't get stressed for time and wind up feeling over-whelmed. This can lead to impulsive, sometimes disastrous, shopping. Twitter: ChocolateOrchid Facebook:  Cheris Courtney 

My process starts a year out.  I make a list of everyone I will be purchasing for then, I set a budget.  Throughout the year I try to find out what each person might want.  I then keep an eye on the sale ads throughout the year for those gift items and try to match them with coupons to save some extra bucks.  Another trick I use is purchase gift cards from discount sites like "Gift Card Granny".  I've found gift cards for 40% off.  I give those cards as gifts or use them to purchase gifts.  I know it's a lot but it saves me tons.  Facebook (Shauna Foodie)

The only way for me to be safe during the holidays is to right down the exact thing I'm getting that family member then scour ads for the best price or discount. So when im in a store i can "B" line it straight for what i need and get out. Another thing that has always helped me is, shopping early. If i see things through out the year, i will buy it and save it for Christmas/birthdays. That way my funds aren't exhausted after the holidays.

Make of list of what you need to buy and stick to it. Facebook (colleen boudreau - www.facebook.com/collifornia ) Twitter (@collifornia:twitter ) holliister at gmail dot com

Only three things keep me from going over my holiday budget. The first is COOKIES! A person's favorite cookies or/and pies homemade (i.e., bought and baked, or if I really like you, made from scratch) are a great and thoughtful gift. I give out hundreds of holiday cookies that get eaten on the spot! The second is thoughtful yearly searching, so that you don't go over your budget for an overcompensating last minute gift. I collect notes on what my friends and family like year round. The third, and most important, is having an understanding family! My family is very modest and we don't judge a person's love through a random gift given at Christmas. We give our love all year round!  CD!  https://www.facebook.com/courtneyblairedixon www.twitter.com/theacademic

I always try to think of the best gift for a person way before the holidays, that way i can start comparing prices and making my budget. Timing is usually the most important factor for me because I do most of my shopping online, the great thing about this is I can usually stack coupons which most of the retailers I shop with don't allow in store. If I plan accordingly and shop in enough time for shipping these things keep me well within my budget! Twitter @eksamplified Facebook Christina Alexander

All year long I am on the look out for special gifts for the people in my life.  I listen and makes notes on my phone and in some cases, take a photo, of an item they mention they would love to buy for themselves but never do.  I keep an eye out for these gifts and when I see them on sale or when there is a promotion, I buy the item.  This helps spread the cost over a period of time and let's me spend a bit more. I can usually get a really special gift by scheduling my buying this way. I have a large box and each gift is put in there, tagged with the receiver's name. I wait to wrap right before I give them their gift, just in case I'm able to add another special item. I shop locally as much as I can having been a small business owner, I know the importance of keeping money in the local economy. Thanks. Twitter: Shopchantal Facebook: ShopchantalFB

You can do it! Make a list of what you want to buy (and stick to it) and price items at different stores before buying to make sure that you get the best deal. http://whichmewillibetoday.wordpress.com

When shopping for clothing items make a list! And if you don't NEED it or if it's not on your list, don't buy it! Also, give yourself a certain amount  not to pass, simple but hope it helps! Twitter (danae416) Facebook (Danae Smith)

I'm making a list and checking it twice ☺ My list will only focus on a small circle of family members, mostly the children and of age to know it is Christmas. We are still in a financial crisis and my family is in saving mode. I am not above giving gifts from the Thrift store, one of my favorite places to shop♥ Also since I loathe shopping in stores I will be using cyber Monday deals to check off anything I can not find in my local area and as always let the coupon cutting commence! Don't forget to do price comparisons and even DIY gifts would add a personal touch to your loved ones.

Often in my search for the perfect gift for friends and family I want to make sure I not only get the most for my money but I also get something they will treasure. This year I have set an over all budget. Then once I have written down the names of those who I am buying gifts for I scour the internet to find these must have items. (craigslist,ebay,etsy for the vintage lovers on my list) Starting early also has its benefits, getting those sale items 4 or 5 months before Christmas will surely take a load off of that last minute shopping! Lastly creativity is key, sometimes the gifts you can make yourself will be the ones most remembered by your loved ones!

I love to buy gifts for people during the holidays, so I as well have to disciplined and methodical. 1.I decide who i am buying gifts for, deciding necessity too. 2. What do they really want. 3.  Calculate how much I have to spend. 4. Decide what items I can afford in my budget. 5.  Look for the best deals before Christmas. 6. Even trying ebay and etsy. 7. Release myself from the worry and guilt that I cannot buy everything they want or I want.

I try and buy as many things as I can at thrift stores! I can buy a lot of things and not spend too much money. 

I am a stay at home mom and homeschool mom of two.  Since my husband is the only person working we live off a very tight budget.  When it comes to the holidays I am first very realistic with my children when we sit and discuss their Christmas list.  We determine what their needs are versus their wants.  About two years ago I bought big-ticket items such as an xbox and leapster so both are gifts that keep on giving because I can just buy new games.  I avoid going to the store without my handy list of items I am looking for.  I keep my list on me because I have already done research on the products at home and I have a spreadsheet with pricing of each item.  I don’t get caught up with store distractions that is why I do the majority of my Christmas shopping during the day why people are at work.  That way I can be in and out without standing in long lines where my eyes may wonder and I begin to loose focus.  So to sum it up I shop during the day, shop on a full stomach, keep my list in hand and only buy what I have budgeted for.  Oh yeah and I take out the cash for the amount I will be spending to avoid over spending. Facebook (Sabrina Summers) Twitter (@SabrinaAS)

i love to buy presents. but yea, staying within budget while getting a gift for everyone is TOUGH! i try to whittle my gift list down i try to make gifts instead of buying. well, i have to buy things to make the gifts, but it costs less and is more significant that way still. also, with my friends, we either forgo gifts or do secret santa or white elephant. this also makes is much easier on our wallets. and i actually prefer shopping online, because i am less likely to get distracted. also i can search for coupons/deals and use cashback sites!

I price compare and search for the absolute best deal possible. I also search for coupon codes when shopping online. More often than not, there's a code out there that will help me to save. Finally, I'm not impulsive when I shop (easier said than done ^_^). I take my time and buy only when I know I've found the best deal. Thanks for the giveaway ^_^